System for resistance training

ABSTRACT

A portable athletic training system which permits a user to perform resistance exercises while stationary or in motion comprising a form fitting torso wrap, at least one wrist wrap, at least one ankle wrap, and at least one elastic cord removably connected between to a loop to perform resistance exercises. The anterior of the torso wrap incorporates a loop in each quadrant, each lateral portion incorporates a loop, and the posterior portion incorporates at least three loops positioned vertically aligned with the user&#39;s spine with one loop proximal to the user&#39;s cervical spine, one loop proximal to the user&#39;s thoracic spine, and one loop proximal to the user&#39;s lumbar spine.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to a self-contained portable system for resistance training Traditional cardiovascular training routines do not offer enough resistance to continuously provide results to increase speed, strength, endurance and power. The apparatus disclosed allows the user to increase total body resistance during running, jumping, as well as during all traditional exercises.

Generally, resistance training with bungee cords and other elastic cords is limited to a fixed position because the cords are anchored to a single position. The disclosed invention permits the user to engage in resistance training regardless of whether the user is stationary or performing other moving exercises.

The claimed system comprises a form fitting torso wrap with a means to adjust the torso wrap to the user's body, a multiplicity of connectors attached to said torso wrap which are used to removably connect at least one elastic chord to perform resistance exercises while the user is either stationary or non-stationary. The system also comprises wrist wraps and ankle wraps which may be attached to opposing ends of the cords, or the opposing end of the cord connected to the torso wrap to perform various resistance exercises

SUMMARY

The apparatus relates to a self-contained portable system for resistance training that is configured to be worn by a single user. The system comprises a torso wrap configured to be worn about the user's torso in a fixed orientation relative to the user. The torso wrap is fabricated from durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the torso wrap. The torso wrap further incorporates a plurality of connectors. The system also includes two wraps which may be worn on the user's extremities, for example the user's wrist and/or ankle. The extremity wraps are fabricated from durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the wrap. The extremity wraps further incorporate at least one connector. A plurality of elastic cords are configured to securely connect to any one of the connectors located on the wraps. At least one of the plurality of elastic cords has a modulus of elasticity different than at least another of the elastic cords. The system may be employed in one of numerous possible configurations and arrangements to permit the user to conduct force resistant training exercises using one or more of the plurality of cords connecting any two of the connectors on the wrist wrap, ankle wrap and torso wrap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective generally lateral view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a perspective anterior view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective anterior view of the torso wrap;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective posterior view of the torso wrap;

FIG. 4 shows the ankle wraps, wrist wraps and elastic cords.

FIG. 5 shows a posterior view of the torso wrap with elastic cords attached to the loop proximal to the lumbar spine.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the elastic cords terminating in hand held grips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

By way of example, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present system 10 comprises a torso wrap 32, wrist wraps 12, ankles wraps 22 and elastic cords 52 having a modulus of elasticity different than at least another of the elastic cords. In one embodiment the torso wrap comprises a torso wrap 32 configured to be form fitting and worn about the user's torso in a fixed orientation relative to the user. The torso wrap is secured around the user's torso using such known means as hook and loop fasteners 40, buttons, or clips. The torso wrap is formed from durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the torso wrap such as neoprene or other flexible textile. The torso wrap further incorporates a plurality of connectors 34 secured to the torso wrap. The connectors may comprise loops fabricated from neoprene or other flexible textile, or comprise a self locking hook such as a spring loaded carabiner snap hook attached to the loop. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one connector is secured to the anterior, posterior and lateral faces of the torso wrap. In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the connectors located on the posterior of the torso wrap 36 are generally aligned with the user's cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as depicted in FIG. 3B. Alternatively in another embodiment the connectors secured to the anterior face of the torso wrap are located in the four quadrants of the torso wrap 34 generally aligned with the right pectoralis major muscle, left pectoralis major muscle, right serratus anterior, and left serratus anterior muscle as depicted in FIG. 3A.

In FIG. 4, a wrist wrap 12 is configured to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's wrist. The orientation of the wrist wrap is fixed as a proximate result of the aperture 16 through which the user inserts his or her thumb. After the user's thumb is inserted into the wrist wrap the wrap is removably secured around the user's wrist by either a clasp or hook and loop connector 14. The wrist wrap comprises a durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the wrist wrap such as neoprene or other flexible textile. The wrist wrap further comprises a connector 18 secured to the wrist wrap. The connector 18 may be secured to the anterior or posterior of the wrist wrap proximal to the wrist.

In FIG. 4, an ankle wrap 22 is to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's ankle. The orientation of the ankle wrap is fixed by a stirrup 26 which engages the user's foot to fix the ankle wrap in a single orientation. The ankle wrap comprises a durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the ankle wrap such as neoprene or other flexible textile. The ankle wrap further comprising at least a one connector 28 secured to the medial face and/or lateral face of the ankle wrap.

In FIG. 4, a plurality of elastic cords B52 each having a first 54 and second end 56, the first and second ends configured to securely connect to any one of the connectors located on the wrist wrap, ankle wrap or torso wrap, at least one of the plurality of elastic cord having a modulus of elasticity different than at least another of the elastic cords. In FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment comprises the replacement of one connector on the cord with a hand grip 60 to be grasped by the user to perform resistance exercises. The connection of the cord may be accomplished using means which are readily known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, for example c-clamps attached to one end of the cord, or passing the elastic cord through the loop and connecting both ends to a handle device such as Triple Grip Handles™ or Exchange Handle Systems™ manufactured by Lifeline USA.

The self-contained system may be employed in one of numerous possible configurations and arrangements to permit the user to conduct force resistant training exercises using one or more of the plurality of cords connecting any two of the connectors on the wrist wrap, ankle wrap and torso wrap. For example, at least one elastic cord is removably connected to one connector of the torso wrap, ankle wrap or wrist wrap to perform a resistance exercises. Alternatively, at least one elastic cord may be connected between two wrist wraps, two ankle wraps, an ankle and a wrist wrap, the torso wrap and a wrist wrap, the torso wrap and an ankle wrap. Further resistance exercises may be accomplished by connecting the cord to the ankle wrap and a handle, or the torso wrap and a handle.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-contained portable system for resistance training that is configured to be worn by a single user, the system comprising: a torso wrap configured to be worn about the user's torso in a fixed orientation relative to the user, the torso wrap comprising durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the torso wrap, the torso wrap further comprising a plurality of connectors secured to the torso wrap, a first wrist wrap configured to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's wrist, the first wrist wrap comprising durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the wrist wrap, the wrist wrap further comprising a connector secured to the wrist wrap; a first ankle wrap configured to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's ankle, the first wrist wrap comprising durable tear resistant material sufficient to withstand strong forces applied to the wrist wrap, the ankle wrap further comprising a connector secured to the wrist wrap; and a plurality of elastic cords each having a first and second end, the first and second ends configured to securely connect to any one of the connectors located on the wrist wrap, ankle wrap or torso wrap, at least one of the plurality of elastic cords having a modulus of elasticity different than at least another of the elastic cords, wherein the self-contained system may be employed in one of numerous possible configurations and arrangements to permit the user to conduct force resistant training exercises using one or more of the plurality of cords connecting any two of the connectors on the wrist wrap, ankle wrap and torso wrap.
 2. A self-contained portable system for resistance training that is configured to be worn by a single user, the system comprising: a first wrap configured to engage the user's first body part in a fixed orientation comprising a first flexible textile with a fastener to secure around the user's first body part with a first structure to fix the first wrap in a single fixed orientation, and a connector attached thereto; a second wrap configured to be secured to the user's second body part in a fixed orientation comprising a second flexible textile with a fastener to secure around the user's second body part with a second structure to fix the second wrap in a single fixed orientation, and a connector attached to said wrap; a plurality elastic cords of varying elasticity with a hooking mechanism at each end to engage said the connector of the first wrap at the first end and the connector of the second wrap at said second end that may be used individually or in combination with each other for performance of resistance training exercises by the user without the need for additional implements or the necessity of securing the system to objects outside of the user's body.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said first wrap is a torso wrap configured to be worn in fixed orientation about the user's torso.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein said first wrap is an ankle wrap configured to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's ankle.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein said first wrap is a wrist wrap configured to be worn in a fixed orientation about the user's wrist.
 6. The system of claims 1 and 2, wherein the connector comprises a loop.
 7. The system of claims 1 and 2, wherein the connector further comprises a self-locking hook.
 8. The system of claims 1 and 2, wherein one end of the elastic cord is configured to attach a hand grip.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the torso wrap further comprises a plurality of connectors on at least one of the faces of the torso wrap.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the torso wrap further comprises at least one anterior region connector and at least one posterior region connector are oriented such that they are vertically-positioned when the garment is worn by a user in a standing position.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the torso wrap further comprises at least one posterior connector selectively positioned to align with a desired portion of the user's spine.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the torso wrap further comprises at least three connectors aligned with the user's spine with one connector proximal to the user's cervical spine, one connector proximal to the user's thoracic spine, and one connector proximal to the user's lumbar spine.
 13. The system of claims 1, wherein the wrist wrap comprises an aperture for the insertion of the user's thumb to fix the wrap in a single orientation.
 14. The system of claims 1, wherein the ankle wrap further comprises a stirrup to engage to user's foot to fix the wrap in a single orientation. 